Job Discussion Forums

[dan]

Hi all
Since most of the posters on this board live in thailand, i thought I might appeal to your first-hand knowledge about what is going on in BKK these days and how you might advise those of us traveling to Thailand in the near future. So, if any of you have any cautionary notes or words of encouragement, I would appreciate it. The only thing I know about the current unrest is what I read in the newspapers in the US/UK, so anything you could say at this point would be extremely helpful.

Thanks in advance for your insights and suggestions.

[MaiPenRai]

You should be fine Dan. But I wouldn't reccommend spending more than a day or 2 in Bangkok regardless of any unrest. There are plenty of better places to see in Thailand.

THings are heating up a bit the past 2 days and the government has finally started to "force" the protesters out. Fights have erupted and the latest reports say about 150 injured, but nothing really serious and no deaths. That being said, the protesters dont seem to backing down this time, so it may get worse before its over.

Most of the "unrest" is in pretty controlled areas and the government does a good job of informing the public and keeping people out of the areas that may be trouble.

I say just and get out of Bangkok. Should be fine anywhere elese (Chiang Mai is getting a few protesters, but I doubt anything serious will happen anywhere except Bangkok).

Google breaking news bangkok post (or the nation) for updates from Thailand's English newspapers.

When are you plannig on arriving?

[MaiPenRai]

Fighting has erupted in Bangkok and has spread to the Kao San Road area. This is an area densely populated with tourists.

Latest reports claim that 15 are dead and over 600 injured. Among the dead is a Japanese journalist.

The latest government response to the fighting did not sound as if things would be settled soon, but who knows.

TO ANYONE THINKING OF COMINGTO THAILAND IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO, please check news reports daily and check with the appropriate consulates and embassies.

Normally I would say not to worry as I have been through a few skirmishes during my time in THailand and never had a problem or knew anybody who had a problem or felt in danger. BUT, yesterday saw the worst fighting since 1992 and there are still army and police hostages being held by the protesters after late night fighting. As the fighting is happening near Kao San Road and in the Ratchaprasong area (another major shopping/tourist area) it may not be convenient or safe to be in Bangkok as a tourist.

Things could get worse before they get better.